When travelers ask “where to visit in Seoul,” the answers often point to gleaming royal palaces, bustling markets like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market, and towering skyscrapers such as Seoul Tower. But for those of us who travel with our taste buds first, the real heart of the city beats underground. Seoul’s subterranean dining scene is a world of hidden gems, where unassuming staircases lead to some of the most authentic and unforgettable Korean dining experiences. These are not the places you will find on the main tourist drags or rental shops; they are the beloved haunts of locals, tucked away in basements and down narrow alleys, offering a delicious escape from the ordinary.
If you are wondering what is in Seoul to get a true taste of the city beyond the typical tourist spots, this guide is for you. We are going on an adventure to uncover five of Seoul’s best-kept secrets. This is about more than just a meal; it’s about the thrill of discovery and the joy of experiencing genuine hospitality. Prepare to explore a side of Seoul South Korea that most tourists miss, one delicious, hidden restaurant at a time.
While exploring Seoul, don’t forget to use Google Maps and the T money card to navigate between a few neighborhoods and underground spots efficiently. This game plan will help you enjoy your best trip, combining visits to cool cafes, traditional Korean palaces, and underground dining.
These hidden gems not only offer incredible food but also connect you to the rich Korean history and culture, reflecting the spirit of the city beyond its royal palaces and contemporary art galleries. Whether you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or returning, diving into the underground dining scene is a real treat and a fun spot to experience the genuine flavors of Korea.
Introduction to Korean Food in Seoul
Korean food is a vibrant and integral part of Korean culture, offering a unique blend of flavors from spicy and savory to sweet and tangy. Traditional dishes feature fresh ingredients, fermented kimchi, and balanced textures. Whether enjoying Korean BBQ, hot and spicy kimchi stew, or street snacks like tteokbokki and knife cut noodles, Korean cuisine reflects the history and spirit of Seoul.
While exploring what is in Seoul and visiting South Korea, many tourists are drawn to popular areas and well-known restaurants serving Korean food. These spots often offer accessible introductions with menus catering to international palates and English translations. However, some tourist-focused places present a commercialized version of Korean dishes, differing from authentic flavors found in local neighborhoods and underground dining spots.
For travelers seeking a deeper dive into Korean cuisine, venturing beyond main tourist hubs reveals hidden gems where traditional techniques and passion shine. Exploring local markets, small eateries, and family-run restaurants lets you taste diverse regional specialties and seasonal ingredients that define Korean food. Balancing visits to both tourist-friendly venues and off-the-beaten-path locations ensures a comprehensive and satisfying culinary journey in Seoul.
Tourist Friendly Visits: Seoul Tower to Bukchon Hanok Village
This journey can include stops at traditional hanok villages like Bukchon Hanok Village and Ikseon-dong, where you can find cool cafes and even a Studio Ghibli inspired cafe. Alongside exploring the vibrant street art and mural scenes in Ihwa Mural Village and Naksan Park, visitors get a true sense of Seoul’s contemporary art culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the National Folk Museum and the National Museum, both offering free entry on certain days, to deepen your understanding of Korean history and culture.
Navigating the city is easy with the subway station network and the Airport Railroad Express, which connects you from Incheon Airport to central Seoul and Seoul Station in about an hour. The Han River offers beautiful views and recreational spots, while Namsan Park with its iconic Seoul Tower and cable car ride provides absolutely stunning panoramas of the city. For shopping, Olive Young is a must-visit for Korean skincare products and Korean souvenirs, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re visiting South Korea for the first time or returning, this blend of traditional and modern experiences ensures your trip to Seoul is filled with fun things to do, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable flavors.
Visiting Seoul and its Secret Kitchen Experiences
Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)
Location: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul: a central location near Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the five royal palaces.
While famous among locals, Tosokchon is hidden in plain sight. It is not a basement spot but a traditional hanok (Korean house) complex tucked away in a side alley near the primary royal residence of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The star of the show is samgyetang, a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, then simmered into a rich, milky broth. These dishes are a great way to experience authentic Korean cuisine and are often featured in popular Korean dramas.
Tosokchon offers a quintessential Korean dining experience. It serves one of the country’s most famous comfort foods in a setting that is deeply rooted in history. Don’t forget to purchase tickets for nearby attractions and combine your visit with a walk along the Seoul City Wall or a trip to Seoul Forest for a full cultural experience.
Mokran (목란)
Location: 41 Yeonhui-ro 15-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Situated in the quiet Yeonhui-dong neighborhood, Mokran is the exclusive domain of celebrity chef Lee Yeon-bok. Reservations are notoriously hard to get, making dining here feel like joining a secret club for serious food lovers. Must-tries include menbosha (crispy fried shrimp toast), dongpa-yuk (braised pork belly), and elevated jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). The elegant yet understated setting resembles a private home with attentive service, focusing on culinary artistry.
Mokran is a pilgrimage site for high-quality Korean dining, offering creations from one of South Korea’s top chefs. The effort to secure a reservation adds to the reward of an unforgettable meal, perfect for any Seoul itinerary.
Guldari Sikdang (굴다리식당)
Location: 18-3 Saemal-ro 11-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Known as “Under the Bridge Restaurant,” this Mapo district gem near Gongdeok Station has an old-school charm and no flashy signs, just honest, hearty food loved by locals. Famous for kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork), both served with rice and simple side dishes (banchan). A no-frills, working-class spot with a loud, energetic vibe where locals gather for authentic home-style Korean cooking.
For those wondering what is in Seoul, Guldari Sikdang offers satisfying, delicious soul food at a great deal, proving the best Korean food often comes from humble places.
Oreno Ramen (오레노라멘)
Location: 2F, 6-5 Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tucked on the second floor in Ikseon-dong, Oreno Ramen is easy to miss with only a small sign and narrow staircase. This Michelin Bib Gourmand spot thrives on word-of-mouth, making it a true underground find. Specializing in tori paitan, a creamy chicken broth, their signature bowl features tender chicken and pork chashu, a soft-boiled egg, and perfectly cooked noodles. The velvety broth is the star.
The place is small and intimate, seating is mostly around an open kitchen counter where diners quietly enjoy their noodles, creating a focused, authentic vibe like a piece of Japan in Seoul. Oreno Ramen highlights Seoul’s diverse food scene, offering a world-class, authentic experience beloved by locals and answering the question “Seoul what to visit” with something different yet exceptional.
Mapo Jeong Daepo (마포정대포)
Location: 112-1 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
This classic Korean BBQ spot in Mapo is a local favorite, known for its old-school vibe and unique grill design with a trough for a savory egg custard that cooks alongside the meat. Despite some fame, it stays off the main tourist path. Try the tender galmaegisal (pork skirt meat) and the flavorful so-galbi (beef short ribs), both grilled to perfection with the special egg custard on the side.
Mapo Jeong Deapo is loud, smoky, and lively, this place offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience with metal tables, industrial vents, and the sizzling sound of meat grilling, perfect for socializing over soju and beer.
Seoul Worth Visiting: From Korean Fried Chicken to Coffee Shops
So, where to visit in Seoul for an unforgettable meal? The answer lies beneath the surface. Exploring the city’s underground dining scene is an adventure that rewards you with more than just good food. It connects you to the local community, reveals the city’s history, and shows you a side of Seoul that is full of heart and soul. These five spots are just a starting point for your journey into authentic Korean dining.
Don’t be afraid to wander down that narrow alley or climb that unassuming staircase. The best meal of your trip might just be waiting for you there.
